Myanmar opens up to the world

Long hidden from the world’s gaze, Maynmar’s tumultuous past hasn’t stop adventurers from wondering what mystery, diversity and beauty lie behind its borders. As the country opens up to the world and begins to court an increasing number of tourists, Myanmar is quickly emerging as South East Asia’s newest ‘must see’ destination.

As a result of its new-found popularity, more than one million people visited Myanmar last year, a 30 per cent increase over 2011.  The country’s Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, U Htay Aung is looking to entice even more people in 2013; and with good reason. Revelers hoping to get a glimpse of the great Golden Swedagon Pagoda have nearly tripled the tourism industry’s earnings to $534 million in only three years.

It isn’t just the government that values letting the outside world in. Local people are known to welcome tourists with open arms. Stories of poor villagers sharing their meals with passers-by are as plentiful as the tales of the shy charm of the traditional people overwhelming tourists. Guest after guest report being enchanted by the kindness, smiles and even love of football, that they found within Burma’s borders.

That being said, the country isn’t free from the growing pains of an emerging economy.  Myanmar’s infrastructure isn’t yet prepared to keep up with the increasing influx of tourists each year. The country that once struggled to attract tourists is now swamped with reservations; hotel and flights routinely fill up. Foreign investors are anxious to meet the growing needs, with big name chains like Best Western and the Marriott already expressing interest. Some would argue that now is the time to visit — before the burgeoning tourism industry attracts giants to gentrify more than just the beaten track.

Previously shying away from Myanmar because of its military government and the obvious human rights violations Journeys Within founder Andrea Ross decided to see for herself in 2004. Upon meeting the people there, who seemed eager then to opening their lives to tourists and the outside world, she set her sights on offering Myanmar as a destination for her guests. In the eyes of Ross, tourism creates a dialogue and dialogue pushes freedom; the opening of Burma allows new ideas to flow, giving the people of Myanmar fresh perspectives going forward.

None-the-less, responsible visitors should be aware that in parts of the country, civil unrest is still common place and some tourist dollars are bound to find their way into the hands of the former military junta-turned-businessmen. That being said, money well spent by visitors can also used to help preserve ancient ruins,  benefit smaller communities, while supporting the small local businesses can help boost the income of those in need.

Perhaps it is Myanmar complicated past and present, not to mention its rapidly changing future, that gives it its allure.

Long have outsiders wondered about the complex country, rich culture and picturesque landscape that rest just beyond its political boundaries. As opportunities for tourists within the country grow, there may not be a better time than now.

With one week to 19 day tours, trusted guides and drivers and the ability to tailor trips to individual interests, why not let Journeys Within take you behind Myanmar’s silk curtain?

What’s in a name? Is it Burma or Myanmar?

In 1989 — one year after a popular uprising resulted in thousands of deaths — the ruling military junta changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar.

While most media and official outlets around the world have adopted the new name, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom still officially forsake the use of Myanmar  — a move that Myanmar’s government recently called out.

Countries who don’t use Myanmar cite the illegitimacy of the name change, as it was instituted by an unelected military regime; internationally, both names are recognized.

Within the country, opponents of the military leadership ignored the name change, instead sticking with Burma. This group includes human rights activist and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who continues to exclusively use Burma much to the governments chagrin.

Anthropologist Gustaaf Houtman told the BBC that both names have a a long history of use within the South East Asian country, Myanmar used in more formal or written situations while Burma was used colloquially.

With wide ranging political and historic implications, there is no easy answer on which name is more or less correct. Like everything else in Myanmar/Burma, its complicated.